BCCDC apologizes over COVID-19 isolation guidance confusion

Following some rapid-fire changes to COVID-19 isolation rules posted on the BC CDC website, the agency has issued an apology.

This week, British Columbians wondering how long to isolate after a positive test result got different advice depending on when they checked the website. On Tuesday, the guidance was five days for anyone who tested positive, regardless of age or vaccination status. After a few more changes, the guidance Wednesday depended on age and vaccination status.

Now, unvaccinated adults require the longest period of isolation, with 10 days advised. That’s cut in half for those under 18 only being told to isolate for five. This includes children under five who are not eligible for the shot.

Those who are fully vaccinated, regardless of age, are being told to isolate for five days. Visiting “high-risk settings” like long-term care homes or remote communities is to be avoided for an additional five days.

RELATED: BCCDC changes isolation requirements for those with COVID-19 — again

By Thursday, the website had been updated again — not to change the guidelines, but to acknowledge the confusion caused by the multiple changes.

“We apologize for the web posting and changes that occurred yesterday. We understand the significant interest in these testing and isolation guidelines, which is why we updated the website immediately with clarifications made yesterday. We recognize this approach led to confusion,” an online statement reads.

“We also recognize people in British Columbia are frustrated with the ongoing pandemic, and they want and need clear communication on changes that impact their lives. We will strive to ensure there is a better change management process for future changes.”

Health Minister Adrian Dix on BC CDC apology, and the general question of whether the BC government is struggling with communications — from media pool availability today: #bcpoli #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/bVvIlBVNY5 Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) January 21, 2022

Health Minister Adrian Dix was asked about the situation Thursday.

“I’m not sure we are, in a general sense,” Dix said when it was suggested the province was struggling with communication two years into the pandemic. “That doesn’t mean mistakes never get made. Mistakes sometimes get made, or we don’t get the information out in the [best] possible way. What has to be understood is that we get dozens and dozens and dozens of requests, often for detailed information every day, and we’re responding really quickly and well to it.”

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He said provincial health officials have hard-working communications teams, that he is personally available “almost every day,” and noted that there are weekly news conferences held by himself and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

“I think we’re doing well. What’s challenging is, is that we’re two years into the pandemic. We’re all dealing with the consequences of that, the long-term strain of that,” he said, acknowledging the confusion created by the multiple website updates was a mistake.

“The sheer volume of work we’re doing, communicating, that means it’s going to happen from time to time. But what’s important for everyone to realize is that the BC CDC has acted completely in good faith here. They’re working unbelievably hard, seven days a week, and they’re trying to get as much information to the public as possible.”

This apology from the BC CDC comes after an apology from Henry on Monday about how changes to restrictions were communicated.